Industry News
4 Challenges the Online Betting and Gaming Industry Will Face in the 2020s
Estimates will always vary, but there are some predictions that the online betting and gaming industry will more than double in size from the period of 2017-2024, with all online gambling-related activities almost reaching the $100 billion mark globally 2025.
That’s incredible growth for an industry that is relatively mature. But we can speculate that many outliers will have an impact, such as the liberalization of gambling laws on a state by state basis in the United States, and the clarifying of laws in countries like Finland and Germany.
However, while the growth is nevertheless a reason for the industry to celebrate, there are several areas that will present challenges to betting and gaming worldwide as we enter the next decade. We look at some of those below:
Cryptocurrency
Yes, there are countless ‘bitcoin casinos’ out there. But we also know that regulators – and governments – don’t like the idea of a marriage between cryptocurrency and gaming sites. In the end, it all boils down to transparency, and crypto is seen as the antithesis of the recent drives for KYC (know your customer) policies and anti-fraud measures. A lot will depend on the mainstreaming of cryptocurrency, perhaps driven by Facebook’s Libra coin. The MGA (Malta Gaming Authority) is exploring the viability of crypto through its Sandbox Framework, but one suspects that it will be more than a few years before we see the ubiquitous use of cryptocurrency at casinos.
Regulation
Obviously, a difficult subject to cover as different countries will have varied legal restrictions on marketing and advertising. Yet, so many national parliaments have at least proposed regulations that look like they could hamstring the industry in terms of how it markets itself. The UK Labour Party, for instance, has called for incredibly tough measures, including the introduction of minimum bet amounts and an extension of KYC policies. Some regulation and help for responsible gambling would be welcome, of course, as is regulatory clarity, but the industry will need to work with regulators to ensure that it doesn’t go too far.
Millennials
Despite the growth figures mentioned earlier, the challenges to get millennials playing at land-based and online casinos remaining. Sure, plenty of under 35s will log in to casino.com to play the roulette tables or have an online punt on the Premier League, but the challenge to get millennials interested in classic games and events like horse racing will undoubtedly give operators sleepless nights. A lot of talk has occurred over the idea of merging the world of video games and competitive casino play, perhaps harnessing the incredible popularity of games like Fortnite and certain eSports and crossing them over to casinos. It’s an interesting concept, and it’s completely foreseeable that we will see monetized video games sitting proudly beside the classic table and card games in the near future.

The eSports arena opens at UCI.photo: steve zylius/UCI
Green Issues
It’s almost guaranteed that every industry on the planet is set to face more scrutiny on its carbon footprint. Tech companies, of all types, usually escape such scrutiny, as there are more apparent culprits for campaigners to turn their ire upon. The online gaming industry can certainly point to its green superiority over the land-based industry, albeit many resorts are trying to make changes, but it still takes a lot of energy to run a popular website. Statistics aren’t available for casino games specifically, but the carbon dioxide emissions of playing video games online are said to be equivalent to the emissions of millions of cars. This is obviously not an issue related to online gaming specifically, but that doesn’t make it any less pressing to address.
Best Slot Developer
Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026
Amusnet has been awarded the title of Best Slot Developer at the GamingTECH Awards 2026, marking a notable acknowledgment of the company’s innovative and technical prowess. Unveiled on March 25th in Prague at the 10th-anniversary edition of the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, this recognition emphasizes the influence of the company’s varied, high-achieving slot collection throughout Central and Eastern European markets.
This accolade highlights the organization’s capacity to provide a diverse array of titles that satisfy the changing needs of both operators and players. By prioritizing technical dependability, dynamic animations, and captivating features, Amusnet has positioned itself as a key partner in the area.
“We are truly honoured to receive the Best Slot Developer award,” commented Julia Peeva-Sertov, CEO & Director at Amusnet Gaming, Malta. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences for players. Empowering our partners continues to inspire us to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the industry.”
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit united industry leaders and top executives to explore the connection between gaming, AI, and fintech. During the event, representatives from Amusnet Gaming participated in strategic networking and high-level discussions within the industry, enhancing connections with partners in the CEE area. Winning this title at a milestone anniversary occasion reinforces the company’s position as an innovative leader in the digital entertainment industry.
The post Amusnet Named Best Slot Developer at GamingTECH Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Golf
Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience
Soft2Bet, a leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, recently brought together industry connections for an exclusive two-day golf and padel experience at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. The event brought Soft2Bet’s friends and connections together to enjoy a relaxed day of golf and padel, meaningful conversations, and shared moments in an inspiring setting, celebrating the spirit of connection and community that defines the company’s approach.
Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s best-known sporting estates, the day paired competitive play with the camaraderie and shared spirit that are such a valued part of the game. Attendees enjoyed access to Gleneagles’ most exclusive Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed setting encouraged genuine connection and reflected the supportive atmosphere that made the gathering especially memorable.
Gleneagles was a fitting venue for the occasion. With more than a century of golfing history, three championship courses and a reputation built on world-class hospitality, it remains one of Scotland’s standout golf destinations. Its PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the only golfing destination in Europe to have staged both events.
The event reflects Soft2Bet’s belief that strong connections are built through shared goals, trust and collaboration. Creating space for in-person connection allows the company to deepen those relationships and support long-term success.
Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, commented: “Bringing the industry together in a setting like Gleneagles allows us to go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on what truly drives success, while playing golf and padel. Events like this are an opportunity to align on vision, exchange ideas and celebrate the momentum.”
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO said: “The time spent at Gleneagles, enjoying the incredible courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was an absolute highlight. It is events like these that reinforce the trust and collaborative spirit at the core of our relations.”
The gathering reflects Soft2Bet’s wider approach to the iGaming community engagement, creating opportunities for stronger collaboration and supporting growth across key markets.
The post Soft2Bet Gathering: An Elite Golf & Padel Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
AI chat technology
Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry
Casinofy, a forward-thinking leader in the online casino space, announced the launch of its completely redesigned platform featuring cutting-edge AI chat technology, a modernised user interface and a suite of innovative features that position the company at the forefront of the iGaming industry.
A Bold Leap Forward in Online Casino Innovation
The newly redesigned Casinofy platform represents one of the most ambitious overhauls in the online casino sector. With a focus on user experience, intelligent personalisation and next-generation technology, Casinofy is redefining what players expect from an online gaming destination.
Key highlights of the new platform include:
• AI-Powered Chat Assistant — An intelligent, real-time chat system that provides instant player support, personalised game recommendations, responsible gaming guidance and seamless interaction — available 24/7 with human-like conversational ability.
• Complete UI/UX Redesign — A sleek, modern interface built for speed, accessibility and engagement across all devices, delivering an immersive experience from the first visit.
• Smart Personalization Engine — Leveraging AI to tailor game suggestions, promotions and content to each player’s unique preferences and play style.
• Enhanced Navigation and Game Discovery — Intuitive categorisation, advanced search and AI-driven recommendations that help players discover new favorites effortlessly.
AI Chat: A Game-Changer for Player Experience
At the heart of the new Casinofy experience is its proprietary AI chat system — a feature that goes far beyond traditional customer support. The AI assistant understands context, remembers player preferences and delivers instant, accurate responses on everything from game rules and bonus terms to account inquiries.
Unlike conventional chatbots, Casinofy’s AI chat is designed to enhance every touchpoint of the player journey, making it one of the most sophisticated implementations of artificial intelligence in the online casino industry to date.
Leading the Industry Through Innovation
While the online casino market continues to grow, few operators have invested as heavily in technology-driven differentiation as Casinofy. The new platform positions Casinofy among the most innovative operators globally, bridging the gap between traditional online gaming and the AI-first future of digital entertainment.
The Casinofy team said that they are not just keeping up with the industry, but setting the pace. The new platform is built on the belief that players deserve smarter, faster and more personalised experiences. They added that the integration of AI chat is just the beginning of what they have planned.
The post Casinofy Unveils Next-Generation Platform Redesign with AI-Powered Chat, Setting a New Standard for the Online Casino Industry appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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